US Bridges

I-81 Nbl over Route 80

Fair

Washington County, Virginia · 5.38 FR 11; 1.38 to 737 · Structure no. 000000000018928

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,997
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 Nbl over Route 80 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 Nbl over Route 80 in Washington County, Virginia. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 63 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 19,997 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,996 by 2042. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-81 Nbl
CrossesRoute 80
Location5.38 FR 11; 1.38 to 737
RouteInterstate 81
CountyWashington County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.7574, -81.85719
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 22 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,997 (2022)
Projected traffic29,996 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$170.3 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 Nbl over Route 80 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is I-81 Nbl over Route 80 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does I-81 Nbl over Route 80 carry?

About 19,997 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-81 Nbl over Route 80?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 Nbl over Route 80?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.